US stem cell lines will falter, scientists say
Fewer than half of the embryonic stem cell lines authorised by President George W. Bush for use in research funded by the US government would turn out to be viable in practice, scientists told delegates at the Biotechnology Industry Organisation conference in Toronto yesterday. All these stem cells would be made redundant soon by new cell lines created elsewhere, they said. ( The Financial Times )
Tutors arrested over alleged exam paper theft
Two tutors at a private college in south London have been arrested for allegedly stealing a GCSE maths paper to show pupils before they sat the exam. Police raided the Headstart tutorial centre in Motspur Park, Merton, on Monday and arrested a married couple. ( The Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Independent, The Times )
MMR jab gets all-clear
There is no evidence that the measles, mumps and rubella and single measles vaccines are linked to autism or inflammatory bowel disease, concludes the most in-depth analysis of research to date. The report is published in the journal Clinical Evidence . ( The Daily Telegraph, The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Times )
Strike to close British Museum
The British Museum is to close on Monday during a 24-hour strike by workers over job cuts. It will be the first time it has closed because of industrial action in its 250-year history. ( The Guardian )
Research closes in on test for prostate cancer
Scientists are developing the first test that can identify the most aggressive types of prostate cancer. Research at the University of Minnesota in the US has found that the balance between two chemicals in cancerous prostate tissue can accurately predict whether a tumour is likely to grow and spread. ( The Daily Mail, The Times )
HRT patch can lift women’s libidos
The skin-patch method of providing hormone replacement therapy can help women revive libidos left flagging by the menopause, according to a study at the University of Southern California. ( The Daily Mail, The Times )
Pioneer of African law dies
Antony Allott, an academic who established African law as a subject of serious study and identified the limits of law as a nation-building tool, has died, aged 77. He founded the Journal of African Law, published three books in the subject, became professor of African law in the University of London at the age of 40 and served as head of the law department at the School of African and Oriental Studies. ( The Times )